IBEW Code of Excellence
The Code of Excellence is a program designed to bring out
the best in our construction members and demonstrate to our customers that IBEW
members:
Perform the highest quality and quantity of work
Utilize their skills and abilities to the maximum
Exercise safe and productive work practices
The Code of Excellence is not only about an IBEW job built
right the first time, on schedule and under budget; it is also about pride in
IBEW membership and craftsmanship and leaving a lasting impression of quality
workmanship with the customer … thus, prompting him to again employ the IBEW on
future projects. The Code of Excellence program is also a means to build and
project positive attitudes about who we are and the work we do … on and off the
job.
Local Union training with respect to the Code of Excellence
program may be facilitated by an International Representative but, regardless of
delivery method or by whom, the Code of Excellence program training is to convey
a strong message that IBEW construction members will:
Come to work
on time, fit for duty and ready to work.
Obey
recognized customer and employer work rules.
Demonstrate
zero tolerance for alcohol and substance abuse.
Exercise
proper safety, health and sanitation practices.
Own up to “8
for 8” and be on the job unless otherwise allowed or authorized to leave.
Follow safe,
reasonable and legitimate management directives.
Encourage
respect for the customer’s rights and property, as well as, for others on the
job.
eXercise the
skills and abilities of the trade.
Care for tools
and equipment provided by the employer.
Eliminate
waste and other forms of property destruction, including graffiti.
Limit lunch
and break times to allocated periods; adhere to established start and quit
times.
Leave
inappropriate behavior to those of lesser knowledge.
Employ the
proper tool for the job and maintain personal toll responsibilities.
do Not solicit
funds or sell merchandise without the Business Manager’s approval.
Curtail idle
time or pursuit of personal business during work hours, including cell phone
use.
Expel job
disruptions and refuse to engage in slowdowns or activities designed to extend
the job or create overtime or any other conduct that would cast the IBEW in a
bad light.
As with Stewards, IBEW members employed in management/
supervision must have knowledge of the Code of Excellence program principles,
its relationship to IBEW organizing and overall membership responsibilities to
the Brotherhood. Yet, more importantly, members in these roles need to know how
effectively managing their jobs will be a corresponding obligation to the Code
of Excellence program. IBEW ‘rank and file’ members honoring the Code of
Excellence program will rightfully have similar expectations of Brothers and
Sisters in management/supervision, with these being in the areas of:
Management responsibilities to the collective bargaining
agreement.
Total acceptance of supervisory positions and related
responsibilities.
Communication and cooperation with the job Steward.
Employee encouragement but, if necessary, fair and
consistent discipline.
Job safety, health and sanitation needs or requirements.
Ample job layout/directions to minimize down time and
maximize employee productivity.
Availability and timely delivery of necessary materials.
Proper number and type of tools and equipment to ensure job
progress.
Maintenance and upkeep of tool and equipment.
Storage and protection of employer and employee tools and
equipment.
Employ adequate number of employees to perform efficiently,
or conversely, limit number of employees to the work at hand.